Pay by Direct Debit

Direct Debit is the easiest way to pay for Council Tax, Business Rates and Council housing rent.

Paying by Direct Debit is simple:

No waiting in queues

You can forget about cheques, envelopes and stamps

It's a lot safer than cash

No reminders or summonses.

Direct Debit is one of the safest payment methods around:

You keep control

There's a money back guarantee

We have to give you at least 10 days advance notice of any changes

You're free to cancel at any time.

It's also cheaper and simpler for us to process your payments, which helps to reduce our costs and keep your council tax down.

From April 2018 tenants paying their montly rent by Direct Debit will have the payments calculated so that by March 2019, there will be an additional month's rent to act as a buffer on the account. This will be used in lieu of the termination period or refunded when the tenancy ends.

Set up a Direct Debit

You can now set up Direct Debit online using the link below. This is quick and easy, you just need your bank details and your Council Tax or Business Rates reference number, which is shown on your bill.

Frequently Asked Questions (11)

Barcoded invoices can be paid at any Post Office or PayPoint outlet just like barcoded bills. Some invoices may also offer payment by bank giro credit slip as well. But if the bank giro credit is completed the Post Office may make a charge (currently £2.40), so to avoid being charged please DO NOT complete the giro slip, and ask to pay by barcode.

Many council bills and invoices can now be paid by Direct Debit. If you have a bank or building society current account this is often the easiest way to pay. Some services may also offer payment by Standing Order as an alternative.

For details of which bills can be paid by Direct Debit and to how to set one up please see our Direct Debit page.

If you pay by cheque or debit card you should retain your receipt until the payment shows as paid on your bank statement. If you pay by cash we recommend you keep your receipt until you next confirm your balance, or until your next bill arrives, or for 12 months, whichever is soonest.

Payments will usually take two working days to reach your account (i.e. excluding Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays), so please make sure you pay in good time, before your Council Tax, Business Rates, Rent or invoice is due.

Cash payments can be made for FREE at all PayPoint outlets (some may also accept debit cards, but may charge you for this), while at Post Offices you can pay by cash, cheque or debit card for FREE if they scan the barcode.

But if the bank giro credit is completed the Post Office may make a charge, so to avoid being charged please DO NOT complete the giro slip, and ask to pay by barcode.